When it comes to finding a good meal, steak reigns supreme. Yet, steaks aren’t all the same. Whether you’re pairing steak with wine or enjoying your favorite meal at the local steakhouse, the cut you choose will have a big impact on the impression it makes. Here, we’ll discuss the different cuts of steak and how you can choose the best one for your tastes.
Understanding the Different Cuts of Steak
Although you may consider them types, steaks are defined by the cut of beef from which they originate. If you’ve ever been looking forward to a delicious steak only to be disappointed with a less flavorful or drier piece of meat, you were probably served a different cut than expected. Each cut of steak has a different thickness, fat content, and level of flavor.
These are the most common cuts of steak you’ll be choosing from when you order a steak.
T-Bone
Derived from the short loin of a cow, a T-bone is a bone-in steak with a tenderloin on one side and a strip steak on the other. As a result, you get two flavors and textures in one cut.
Filet Mignon
Sometimes called a tenderloin, the filet is known for its tenderness and mild flavor. This small, round cut is typically two to three inches thick and cut from underneath a cow’s ribs. Because of its milder flavor, filets are often wrapped in bacon.
Ribeye
If you’re looking for a bold, beefy flavor, a ribeye is always a good choice. Cut from the cow’s upper rib area, ribeyes have plentiful fat, which helps them retain their juiciness.
Sirloin
Top sirloin steaks come from right underneath the tenderloin strip portion, closer to the rear. Since it is a more muscular area, it’s not quite as tender as some other steaks, but it has richer flavors. For the best taste and texture, this flavorful cut is typically cooked medium-rare.
New York Strip
Strip steaks come from the short loin right behind the rib. As a result, they’re tender, versatile, and flavorful. If you want a balance between the tenderness of a filet and the bold flavor of a ribeye, the New York gives you the best of both worlds.
What Is the Best Steak Cut?
As you may have recognized, each cut of steak has something special to offer. It can’t be said that one cut is best for everyone. Whether you’re cooking at home or ordering from your favorite restaurant, the best steak cut boils down to preference.
To determine the cut most likely to satisfy your unique taste buds or pair with your favorite wine, consider exactly what you imagine when you take that first juicy bite.
- Tenderness: When you’re looking for a steak that melts in your mouth, a filet is an optimal choice.
- Intense Beefy Flavor: The ribeye is known for its traditional steak flavor bursting with juiciness.
- Bone-In: Those who prefer a steak cooked with the bone intact can choose from a T-bone, ribeye, or strip, depending on the flavor profile and size you prefer.
- Rich Flavor and Affordability: Reasonably affordable compared to most other cuts, the sirloin is available in 7 or 12 ounce sizes and is flavorful and juicy.
- Versatility and Flavor: When you’re looking for a tender cut that offers signature marbling and steak flavor, the New York strip provides the perfect balance.
Choosing the Best Steak to Order at a Steakhouse
Learning more about different steak cuts can help you understand what you’re looking for in a meal. Yet, looking at the many options on a restaurant’s menu can feel overwhelming. You may see signature nicknames rather than the traditional names and mouth-watering descriptions that beg you to try something new. In any situation, your server can share some valuable information about the restaurant’s specialties and the different textures and flavors you can expect with each option.
Find Succulent Steak Cuts at SEAR Black Hills Steakhouse
Steak is undeniably one of the most lavish meals you can enjoy for a special occasion or a regular weeknight. Knowing the cut you prefer will help you elevate the experience and make the most of your night out. Our meats at SEAR Black Hills Steakhouse are regionally sourced and cooked to perfection to make your meal an unforgettable experience.
Make a reservation at SEAR Black Hills Steakhouse in Rapid City, South Dakota, to enjoy your signature cut, or choose a new favorite to enjoy in an elegant and intimate atmosphere.
